Carolyn Bennett Patterson Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS-552

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection consists of the papers of Carolyn Bennett Patterson from 1938-1996. The papers include correspondence, datebooks/field notes, printed materials, photographs, and audio-visual materials. The collection primarily documents Patterson's work with National Geographic Magazine such as office memos, research notes, and travel information. In addition, materials related to Patterson's work in professional organizations such as the Society of American Travel Writers and the Society of Women Geographers; her alma mater, Louisiana State University; and early writings and freelance materials.

Dates

1938 - 1996

Creator

Patterson, Carolyn Bennett, 1921-2003 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for use by all researchers with exception to Folders 22 and 27 located in Box 1, which includes sensitive personal identifiable information.

Technical Access

This collection contains a significant amound of 35mm slides and negatives as well as cassette tapes and microcassette tapes. These materials have no been digitize, so access to these materials require the use of analog technology.

Rights Statement

Any requests for permission to publish, quote, or reproduce materials from this collection must be submitted in writing to the Coordinator of Manuscripts or Manuscripts Librarian for Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Mississippi State University as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Biographical Note

Carolyn Bennett Patterson was born in Laurel, Mississippi, on 12 April 1921. She attended Kosuisko High School, where she served as the school newspaper's editor, though she confessed none of her ideas were taken seriously by the paper's sponsor. Patterson attended Blue Mountain College and Mississippi State College before earning her undergraduate degree in journalism from Louisiana State University in 1942. She also obtained a graduate degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

Patterson's first job out of school was working for the New Orleans State newspaper as a general news reporter and the first woman police reporter in the New Orleans area from 1942-1945. She also worked for the American Red Cross from 1944-1945. While working for the Red Cross, Patterson met her husband, Frederick Gillis "Pat" Patterson. The two were married at the close of World War II. The two raised two children together in Washington, D.C. While living in D.C., Patterson served as a freelance writer from 1946 to 1949 as a Capitol Hill Correspondent for Ohio-area newspapers as well as a public relations consultant for musical artists.

Her big break came in 1949, however, when she was hired by National Geographic Magazine. She worked for the publication for nearly four decades in mulitiple roles, including: library assistant (1949); news service writer (1950-1953); caption and magazine writer (1953-1965); Assistant Caption Editor for the Legends Division (1960-1963); Assistant Editor (1965-1973); and Senior Assistant Editor (1973-1986). One of her most notable accomplishments included her becoming the first ever woman to make the rank of editor at the publication.

During her tenure at National Geographic Magazine, Patterson traveled extensively covering stories in England, France, Haiti, South Africa, Tasmania, and New Zealand. She also contributed stories on Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Neshoba County Fair, Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and Vicksburg. She retired from the publication on 30 April 1986.

After retiring, Patterson contributed a few freelance pieces to various publications. She also published a memoir, Of Lands, Legends, and Laughter: The Search for Adventure with National Geographic in 1998.

Patterson died on 7 July 2003 from cirrhosis of the liver in Washington, D.C.

Reference

Ownby, Ted. “Carolyn Bennett Patterson.” The Mississippi Encyclopedia. Last modified April 14, 2018. http://rgheck.frege.org/philosophy/aboutpgr.php.

Extent

13.25 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

System of Arrangement

The collection is arranged into five distinct series as follows:

I. Biographical (1938-1994): This series begins with a copy of Patterson's CV and then is arranged chronologically in ascending order. II. Professional (1942-1996): This series is arranged into seven subseries: A. Schedules (1983-1991): chronologically in ascending order B. National Geograhic (1946-1992): This subseries is arranged with biographical/administrative materials appearing first, then assignments arranged alphabetically by subject. C. Societies (1956-1996): This subseries is arranged alphabetically by soceity name, then alphabetically by subject, then chronologically. D. Travel (1962-1992): This subseries is arranged alphabetically by geographic place, then chronologically. E. Miscellaneous Writings & Speeches (1942-1993): This subseries is arranged chronologically. F. Letters (1988-1990): This subseries is arranged chronologically. G. Jesish Diaspora Research (1963-1980): This subseries is arranged as it originally appeared when accessioned. III. Photographs (1959-1995): This series is arranged alphabetically by subject then chronologically. IV. Audio-Visual (1974-1988): This series is arranged chronologically. V. Oversized: This series is arranged by size.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated to Mississippi State University Libraries on January 9, 1999 by Carolyn Bennett Patterson. Agents for the repository were G. V. Sonny Montgomery and Dr. Malcolm Portera.

Accruals

No further accruals are expected.

Separated Materials

Two book volumes were separated from the collection and were cataloged for inclusion in Special Collection's print collection. These include THE FIGHT FOR THE FRANKLIN: THE STORY OF AUSTRALIA'S WILD RIVER by Bob Connolly (DU187 .C66 1981) and CAMPOBELLO, ROOSEVELT'S "BELOVED ISLAND" by Stephen O. Muskie (F1044.C2 M87 1982).

Preservation Note

During processing, metal fasteners were removed, materials printed on highly acidic paper (e.g., newspaper) were photocopied onto acid-free paper and discarded. Photographs, negatives, slides, tapes, and oversized materials were removed from their original locations and compiled into appropriate series. All materials were placed in acid-free, archival-quality enclosures.

Processing Information

This collection was processed in 2021 by Carrie P. Mastley. The processor of this collection attempted to preserve the original order of this collection. However, after closely examining the collection, it was apparent that the order of the collection was not optimum for use by researchers and was subsequently rearranged for better accessibility.